Stuttgart have lined up a replacement for in-demand striker Serhou Guirassy, ahead of anticipated bids from the Premier League this month.
Guirassy has been one of the stories of the season in German football with the forward having had a record-breaking start to the campaign.
The Guinea international has scored 17 goals in 14 games to fire Stuttgart into Champions League contention, after two seasons of battling relegation at The MHPArena.
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The 27-year-old is understood to have a release clause in his contract worth just €17.5million (£15.2m), a figure which has alerted clubs across Europe.
Manchester United and Newcastle are each said to be considering an approach, while Fulham and West Ham have also been linked with signing the striker in the January window.
Stuttgart are braced for bids ahead of Guirassy’s expected exit, with Sky Germany reporting that the German side have lined up a replacement.
Sebastian Hoeneß’s side have made Braga’s Simon Banza their top target to replace the club’s leading scorer.
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The DR Congo forward is the leading scorer in Portugal’s Primeria Liga this season with 14 goals in 15 games, and has a modest asking price of €8m-€10m. Initial talks have taken place between the teams.
